Mahabaleshwar Temple, Chamundi Hills, Karnataka

Mahabaleshwar Temple, Chamundi Hills, Karnataka

Mahabaleshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Chamundi Hills near Mysuru City in Mysuru District of Karnataka. The Temple is situated to the south of famous Chamundeshwari Temple. This temple is much older than Chamundeshwari Temple.

History

The Temple was built in the 8^th century CE by the Ganga Kings. The Temple was extensively renovated by the Hoysala kings. The famous Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana is said to have expanded this temple. It is believed that the Hoysalas added the Ardha Mantapa and Nava Ranga. The bronze idols found in this temple are believed to be of Chola period. The temple lost its importance after the Mysore Kings started patronizing the Chamundi temple. The hill was called as Mahabaladri (Mahabala Thirtha) in earlier days after Lord Mahabaleshwar of this temple. The name Chamundi Hills is of recent origin.

The Temple

The Temple is a perfect blend of Cholas, Hoysala and Ganga architecture. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Ardha Mandapa and Navaranga. The Ardha Mandapa and Navaranga have lathe-turned pillars typical of the Hoysala architecture. Presiding Deity is called as Mahabaleshwar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Linga. It is a Mukha Linga, the face of Lord Shiva is carved on Linga.

There is an idol of Mother Parvati, found on the left side of Shiva Linga in the sanctum. Nandi can be found facing the sanctum. Dakshinamurti, Lingodbhava and Mahishasuramardhini are the niche idols located around the sanctum walls. Chandikeswara can be seen in his usual location. There are idols and shrines of Sapta Matrikas, Vishnu, Ganesha, Parvati, Nataraja along with his consort Sivakami, various Lingas, Bhairava, Indra, Bikshadana and Brahma in the temple premises.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 08:00 am to 09:30 am and 07:00 pm to 08:00 pm.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 400 meters from Chamundi Hill Bus Stop, 14 Kms from Mysuru, 15 Kms from Mysuru Bus Stand, 15 Kms from Mysuru Airport, 16 Kms from Mysuru Junction Railway Station, 27 Kms from Nanjangud, 154 Kms from Bengaluru and 195 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. The temple  is located on a hill in the vicinity of Mysore and is accessed through a motorable road. There is also a different route to the temple through the Nanjangud side. There are buses available to the temple from all parts of the Mysore City. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) plies buses to the temple every day with a time gap of 30 minutes from the City Bus Stand.

Location | Photos